Utpanna Ekadashi

Utpanna Ekadashi or ‘Uttpatti Ekadashi’ as it also known, is observed on the ‘ekadashi’ (11th day) of the Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of moon) during the ‘Margashirsh’ month of the Hindu calendar. However in the Gregorian calendar, it falls between the months of November to December. Hindu devotees who begin the ekadashi fast should start with Utapanna Ekadashi. It is a popular belief that this ekadashi helps devote get rid from all their sins, both of the present and past lives.

Utppana Ekadashi celebrates the victory of lord Vishnu over a demon named ‘Murasura’. Furthermore according to the Hindu legends, the birth of Ekadashi Mata took place on Utpanna Ekadashi. In the northern states of India this ekadashi is celebrated during the month of ‘Margashirsh’, whereas in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra, Utpanna Ekadashi falls during the month of ‘Kartik’. Also in the Malayalam calendar, the month is ‘Vrischika Masam’ or ‘Thulam’ and in the Tamilian calendar it is observed during the ‘Karthigai Masam’ or ‘Aippasi’. The main deities of Utpanna Ekadashi are Lord Vishnu and Mata Ekadashi.

Lord Vishnu

Rituals during Utpanna Ekadashi:

• The fast on the Utpanna Ekadashi starts from the dawn of the ekadashi until the sunrise of ‘dwadashi’. Some people even start from vrat from the 10th day by eating only one ‘saatvik’ meal before sunset. On Utapanna Ekadashi eating rice, all forms of pulses and grains is prohibited for all.
• The devotees get up before sunrise on the day of Utpanna Ekadashi. Lord Krishna is worshipped on this day during the ‘Brahma Muhurat’. After finishing their morning rituals, devotees offer prayers to Mata Ekadashi and God Vishnu. Special Bhog and offering s are made to please the lord. Chanting Vedic mantra and devotional songs is considered auspicious on Utpanna Ekadashi.
• On the day of Utpanna Ekadashi, one must also offer donations to the Brahmins, poor and needy. The donations can be in the form of food, money, clothes or other essentials in life, according to one’s capacity.

Important Timings On Utpanna Ekadashi

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Significance of Utpanna Ekadashi:

The greatness of Utpanna Ekadashi is described in various Hindu scriptures like the ‘Bhavishyottara Purana’ in the form of conversation between Sri Krishna and King Yudhisthira. The significance of Utpanna Ekadashi is same as making donations on the auspicious days like ‘Sankranti’ or taking a holy bath in Hindu pilgrimages. It is considered that the observer of Utapanna Ekadashi is liberated from his/her sins and finally attains moksha or salvation. They are taken straight to the abode of Lord Vishnu, ‘Vaikunth’ after death. It is believed that the glory of the Utpanna Ekadashi is even more than donating 1000 cows in charity. The fast kept on Utpanna Ekadashi equals to fasting for the three main deities of Hinduism, namely, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Hence Hindu devotees observe the Utapanna Ekadashi vrat with full dedication and fervour.